Oil on top of 960, examining plugs

CSDentonTX · Post by **CSDentonTX** » 29 Jan 2020, 09:15

OK, popped the cover off the 960 for the first time. Found the somewhat expected oil under there.

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Is this consistent with a leaky oil cap gasket? What's the best way to clean this oil up? I soaked as much of it as I could with a paper towel, but it's clear some of it is baked on. I don't want to ruin the aluminum with anything harsh. I also don't want to get water or chemicals down the plug tubes.

I pulled the coils and looked and it looks dry. At this point, I also decided to pull the plugs and make sure there's nothing unexpected there. They look used, but not horrible to me, especially since I have no idea how long they've been in there. In fact, I would say these look normal grayish white with very little wear for a plug. Opinions? These are the same plug in different lighting.

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CSDentonTX · Post by **CSDentonTX** » 29 Jan 2020, 09:55

Oh, also did "glove test," and ever so slight suction, which I interpret as good.

Post by **amblerman** » 29 Jan 2020, 11:57

brake clean and q-tips will work to get residue out of the nooks and crannies.

Spray on q-tip end if you're worried about getting it on wires or injectors.

CSDentonTX · Post by **CSDentonTX** » 29 Jan 2020, 13:11

I thought about brake cleaner. I was trying to figure out if it was harmful to the plastic coil tops.

Post by **amblerman** » 29 Jan 2020, 14:16

CSDentonTX wrote: ↑29 Jan 2020, 13:11 I thought about brake cleaner. I was trying to figure out if it was harmful to the plastic coil tops.

Yeah it might be.. That's why I suggested using q-tips to allow direct targeting of the gunk. Especially if you take the super conservative method of spraying it on the q=tip first away from anything else.

You could remove all the coils and move the harness out of the way if you wanted to spray directly..

If you use some water based de-greaser then you'll have to clean up with water which won't dry as quick as brake cleaner. And it could be messier with water splashing all over. And I know some water based de-greasers can attack aluminum (simple green??) but I doubt this would even be an issue with the amount of time you'd have it on the engine.

But yes.. I have seen brake cleaner attack certain plastics so that is a valid concern.

-A

CSDentonTX · Post by **CSDentonTX** » 29 Jan 2020, 15:14

There is a Simple Green product called Simple Green Max Automotive Cleaner, that claims "Safe for aluminum, chrome and other metals." I've been thinking of trying that out. I am pretty sure the degreaser I have, "Purple Power," is pretty tough on most things, and specifically says not to use on stainless steel and aluminum as it could discolor it.

Uree · Post by **Uree** » 15 Feb 2020, 13:49

Sometime when i changing oil and fresh one got " hit & miss " during fill-up , oil get undercover ... taking cover off, extra cleaning fun ... If oil filler cap rubber seal ring old - oil may escaped and get there ... imho ...

CSDentonTX · Post by **CSDentonTX** » 17 Feb 2020, 10:17

Well, I have not been changing my own oil up to now, so any spillover from filling has been from the oil change shops. Going forward, I plan to keep it a little tidier.

CSDentonTX · Post by **CSDentonTX** » 17 Feb 2020, 10:19

Hey, amblerman, just to report back, I went with the q-tip and Brakleen technique and got it pretty cleaned up.